Figurative Language

Literal Language is when we really mean

what we say.Example: I am so hungry I could eat a sandwich!

Figurative Languageis when we don’t really

mean what we say.

Example: I am so hungry I could eat a horse!

There are five main kinds of Figurative

Language:1.Simile2.Metaphor3.Personification4.Hyperbole5.Idiom

A SIMILE is…when you compare two unlike

things using “like” or “as.”Example:Rosie’s smile is like sunshine on a cloudy day.

Example:Jonathan is as slow as a turtle

Example: The sun was as hot as dragon’s breath.

Remember, the two items must be unlike. Comparing Rita’s smile to sunshine is a simile.Comparing Rita’s smile to Lucy’s smile is not.

A METAPHOR is…when you compare two unlike

things without using “like” or “as.”

Example:My boss is a dragon, breathing fire at everyone

Example:You are such a snail today! Hurry up!

Example:The road was a ribbon of moonlight.

PERSONIFICATION is…when you give an inanimate

object human characteristics

Example:The wind whispered your name to me.

Example: The hail tap-danced on the roof.

Example: The sky wept buckets all day long.

HYPERBOLE is…When you exaggerate to

make a point.Example:I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.

Example: She’s only said that a hundred times!

Example:I will love you till the seas go dry.

An IDIOM is…a figure of speech

an expression that has little to do with the words’ actual meanings.

Example:They sent me on a wild goose chase!

Example:Hold your horses!

Example:My teacher jumped down my throat when I said that.

Now, do you remember the five types of figurative

language?

SIMILE METAPHORPERSONIFICATION

HYPERBOLE

IDIOM